FDA Approved Appetite Suppressants

Based on statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
close to 40 percent of adults in the US are obese. Weight-loss diets are
often difficult to follow for an extended period, as people stay hungry
while following them. Some people resort to prescription medicines to help
them suppress their appetite, but this should only be done under medical
supervision.

Who Should Use FDA Approved Prescription Appetite Suppressants?

It is well known that excess weight is detrimental to one's health and the
risk for various chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, is
increased. Although different strategies could help with weight loss, diet
combined with exercise is the logical place to start.

If you have however eaten right and worked out for six months and still
have no success, you may consider prescription medications, at the
discretion of your doctor. The majority of these medications require that
you follow a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan. These medications are
normally only prescribed for those who have a BMI of 31 or greater and are
therefore regarded as obese. Prescription Appetite Suppressants approved by
the FDA may also be appropriate for people classified as overweight (body
mass index between 27 and 30) and have health problems such as heart
disease.

Appetite suppressants are also known as anorexiants. They work by affecting
norepinephrine and serotonin, two brain chemicals. The drugs work by
keeping these satiety hormones circulating in the brain. This causes a
feeling of fullness, resulting in people eating less.

Some weight loss medication contain stimulant drugs that the Drug
Enforcement Agency (DEA) has classified as controlled substances. The FDA
approved the first two appetite suppressant drugs in over a decade five
years ago. These are Lorcaserin (Belviq) and Phetermine (Qsymia). Since
then, other weight loss drugs have been approved, including Belviq XR,
Liraglutide (Saxenda) and Bupropion (Contrave).

Prescription Appetite Suppressants Approved by the FDA

Phentermine

In an article published in the Journal of Menopausal Medicine, it was
reported that phentermine is one of the FDA approved appetite suppressants
often prescribed. As it can be addictive, it is only used short-term - up
to six weeks. As is the case with many prescription medications,
phentermine has potential side effects, which include constipation, a dry
mouth, vomiting, or diarrhea. Heart palpitations, high blood pressure,
insomnia, chest pain, leg and ankle swelling, shortness of breath and
dizziness are some of the more serious side effects.

In a small study published in Obesity in 2016, it was found that
Phentermine could really help those struggling with hunger. The results
showed that Phentermine was especially effective in obese people who
struggled with their diets because of hunger.

Phendimetrazine

Phendimetrazine is another appetite suppressants approved by the FDA, which
works the same as phentermine. It should not be used for more than 12
weeks. Its side effects include nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and
constipation. People using it are advised to contact their doctor if they
experience nervousness, mood changes, shortness of breath, headaches, chest
pain, shakiness, changes in heartbeat, or problems when urinating.

This drug should be used with care. One case was reported where a
54-year-old woman using the drug experienced cardiac ischemia. With this
condition, the heart receives too little blood and oxygen, and this could
lead to heart muscle tissue dying.

Diethylpropion

Diethylpropion is also used to control appetite to help with weight loss.
The drug is most effective when used in combination with a low-calorie
diet. Just like the other appetite suppressants, diethylpropion could cause
anxiety-related and gastrointestinal side effects. A doctor should be
consulted when symptoms such as itching, skin rash, sore throat, breathing
difficulty, blurred vision, chest pain, or fainting are experienced.

Bupropion

The next drug on the list of FDA approved appetite suppressants is
bupropion, which is often used to treat multiple psychiatric disorders
ranging from seasonal affective disorder to bipolar disorder. Bupropion is
also used to assist people to stop smoking. As with all the other drugs
mentioned, there is a long list of potential side effects.

Lorcaserin

Lorcaserin (Belviq) influences the chemical signals in the brain that
regulate appetite. Lorcaserin will help you feel full with smaller meals
and it is used to treat obesity that may be related to high cholesterol,
diabetes, or high blood pressure. Lorcaserin will not treat any of the
underlying health conditions. Side effects of this drug includes dizziness,
headache, dry mouth, feeling tired, nausea, cough, back pain, constipation
and low blood sugar.

Liraglutide

Liraglutide (Saxenda) is comparable to a hormone that occurs in the body
naturally. It helps control insulin levels, blood sugar and digestion. This
injectable prescription medicine may help some overweight or obese adults
who suffer from weight related medical problems lose weight and keep it
off. It is used in combination with a diet and exercise program. Side
effects include nausea, low blood sugar, stomach pain, vomiting, upset
stomach, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, tiredness, or constipation.

FDA approved appetite suppressant drugs
should only be used by obese people, or people who are overweight or obese
and have a medical condition such as high blood pressure or type-2
diabetes. These drugs will not let you lose weight by themselves, but will
add a boost to your weight loss diet and exercise program.

The Final Word on FDA Approved Appetite Suppressants

The reality is that no prescription weight-loss medication is without risky
side effects. Ensure that you know what you're letting yourself into before
you start trying to lose weight by using FDA approved appetite
suppressants. Talk to a registered nutritionist or doctor to explore your
options before going this route.

Consider Natural Alternatives - Dietary Supplements

The FDA does not review dietary supplement products. That is why you
won't find
FDA approved dietary supplements. Dietary
supplements are not used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
illnesses.

More people start using supplements, as they are safe and have natural
benefits. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that more than
50% of American adults use dietary supplements.

Appetite Suppressant Dietary Supplements

Skinny Piggies are dietary gummy supplements that help curb appetite in a very basic and natural way. They contain a natural blend of agar-agar and gelatin that expand in the stomach to form a smooth gel making you feel fuller and eating less food. Chew and swallow one Skinny Piggy with a full glass of water 30 minutes before eating a meal. You will soon notice that you're eating less, feeling fuller for longer periods and are not craving junk food. Skinny Piggies are NOT approved by FDA because they are dietary supplements and FDA does not approve any dietary supplements.

DISCLAIMER

Weight loss results vary greatly depending on the individual's lifestyle, food intake, metabolism, physical activity, and genetics. We do not guarantee any specific results. This website does not provide medical advice. All information contained on this website is for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any weight loss, diet, or exercise program.